By Marc S. Sanders
conflict
noun
- 1.
a serious disagreement or argument,
conclave
con· clave ˈkän-ˌklāv
1
: a private meeting or secret assembly
especially : a meeting of Roman Catholic cardinals secluded continuously while choosing a pope
2
: a gathering of a group or association
As I watched Edward Berger’s new film, Conclave, the word “conflict” came to mind based simply off of the same prefix the two terms share. This picture does not just depict a sequestered assembly to elect a new Pope for the Roman Catholic Church. It goes further because nothing goes as expected for the Dean of the Conclave, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes, doing Oscar caliber work).
Now that the Pope has passed away, the various cardinals assemble, and all seem to have their own impressions of who should take the reins. Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci, man I love this guy) is the liberal candidate, tolerant and supportive of the gay population and accepting of women in authoritative positions. Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto) is on the conservative side believing the position should rightly return to an Italian with restrictions and containments of liberal ideals that have diminished what the church used to stand for. There is also Bishop Tremblay (John Lithgow) who has an abundance of support to no one’s surprise. A few others earned some votes during the initial balloting, but it’s seemingly of no big consequence. Still, over the course of the film, multiple votes will have to be counted until the minimum majority necessary for a new Pope is collected.
The men of God convene in a formality of faith, swearing their handwritten votes before the Almighty. Yet, Lawrence, as a dean of ethics and morality, is becoming apprised of some questionable irregularities among his peers. While some of these men are earning more and more support with each passing tally, new developments present themselves forcing Lawrence to question if there should be some investigations to determine if some of these men are qualified to acquire the Papacy beyond an election. Hence, the conclave is getting gravely interrupted by an overwhelming number of conflicts for Lawrence to consider.
I must stop there with my summary of Berger’s film, based on the novel by Robert Harris. This is a top notch drama helmed by an outstanding cast. At the very least the adapted screenplay by Peter Straughan will win the Oscar. The dialogue is aggressive and forthright when it needs to be. An institution like the Roman Catholic Church operates on secrecy. However, it’s so interesting to see these devout men of God challenge one another. Just because they are the highest priests does not constitute them beyond sin or even corruption. As Stanley Tucci’s character demonstrates, they might not be polite either. Simply honest when their personal stance is challenged.
The script is also quietly ponderous. Ralph Fiennes shows an internal conflict between his duties to the church and how he truly characterizes some of his peers. He even begins to wonder if he should continue as a priest. Has his faith remained uncompromised? Frankly, how can a priest of the highest order live satisfyingly knowing that no person is of an upmost perfection even if they swear by their faith? Still, the strict expectations of a widespread religion will demand contexts of that notion.
Constructively, Conclave has a gripping energy. The performances from especially Fiennes, Tucci and Lithgow are magnetic as soon as they enter the piece. Isabella Rossellini delivers an under-radar performance as a nun who works with a necessary audaciousness to her character. She knows things that should never have occurred. Yet, how will she confront these intimidating, stark, red-robed figureheads? Does she even have a right or authority to speak?
The music from Volker Bertelmann could belong in Hitchcock thriller if Bernard Hermann wasn’t available. It keeps you alert and never anchors your feelings as new developments come to light. The composition only enhances the weight of the drama.
Edward Berger is an observant director. Ahead of the conclave he reminds you that even telephones are not permitted inside and tossed in a heap outdoors. The priests are smokers. Personally, I find that surprising as cigarettes almost seem like a mild narcotic and a contradiction of how I envision a Catholic priest should behave. Nevertheless, Berger also gives you a close up of a pile of cigarette butts tossed on the ground just ahead of being sequestered. These men turn off the world outside to focus on this important election. It’s as if they live in a submarine below the surface.
Conclave wil be a very divisive film. Politically, it’s apparent that it favors one side (liberal vs conservative) over another. In addition, it is not shy about showing its characters with their assortments of fault. I am not educated in Catholicism. Though I am well aware of the value it holds across its worshippers. For many, their faith is held above all else and those people will find a discomfort with this picture. I might even be understating that assessment. Some folks of the Catholic order, and maybe other denominations of Christianity, will even take grave offense to this fictionalized depiction.
Conclave is truly conflicting.
Because I do not hold any value in Catholicism, much less any religion anymore (just a shred for the Judaic customs I was raised on), I did not hold any bias or objections to Edward Berger’s film. Rather I was engaged in how difficult it is to balance yourself as a Catholic priest. For Cardinal Lawrence, Ralph Fiennes is neither likable nor unlikable but I certainly felt his character’s frustrations and the challenges he is obliged to navigate.
Who is judging these Cardinals?
God?
Or is it each one of them?
Conclave is built on one believable, yet shocking, surprise after another. Still, when the big twist at the end arrives, it is completely blind siding and Straughan’s script leaves his audiences with a new question that’s practically impossible to contend or compromise.
Again, Conclave is very, very conflicting.
Nevertheless, this is one of the best films I have seen in a very long time. So much so, that I cannot wait to see it again.
Conclave is one of the best films of the year.
2 UNPAID MOVIE CRITICS!!!! 